Issue #312: Unusual Winter Red Tide | Breakup-Themed Fundraisers | Cynthia Erivo Brings ‘Wicked’ Magic

2/14/2025

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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar

Local News

— Unusual Winter Red Tide Stretches from Tampa Bay to the Keys

Of Interest

Love Stinks: Fundraisers Offer Hilarious Valentine’s “Revenge”

The Arts

— ‘Wicked’ Sensation Cynthia Erivo Set to Dazzle Tampa Bay Audiences

Sports

Will Team Canada Unleash an All-Lightning Line at the 4 Nations?

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Unusual Winter Red Tide Stretches from Tampa Bay to the Keys

A harmful algal bloom known as Red Tide is currently stretching from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys, posing a threat to marine life, coastal businesses, and human health. Caused by the microorganism Karenia brevis, Red Tide can discolor ocean water and release toxins that deplete oxygen, leading to mass fish kills and harming dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.

This year’s bloom is unusual, as Red Tide is typically minimal in winter. However, warmer-than-usual temperatures, likely influenced by La Niña, have contributed to its growth.

🚨 Current Impact:

  • Highest concentrations are in San Carlos Bay, Pine Island Sound, and Fort Myers Beach.

  • Dead fish are washing ashore, causing foul smells and respiratory issues for locals.

  • Tourism and businesses are also affected, with some temporary closures.

🔍 Looking Ahead:
The duration of Red Tide is uncertain, but limiting fertilizer use and nutrient runoff could help control future blooms. NOAA and USF continue to monitor its movement.

Astonishing Red Tide Fact: It Can Create Toxic Airborne Particles

Most people know that Red Tide kills marine life, but what’s less commonly known is that its toxins can become airborne and travel miles inland. When waves break along the shore, they release Karenia brevis toxins into the air in the form of microscopic particles.

🚨 What does this mean?

  • These airborne toxins can trigger respiratory issues, even for people far from the beach.

  • Studies have detected Red Tide up to 4 miles inland, impacting residents who don’t even see the water.

  • People with asthma or other lung conditions are at greater risk of irritation.

This explains why even non-coastal businesses and homes sometimes experience Red Tide-related coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation—a hidden consequence of this toxic bloom! 🌊💨😷

Love Stinks: Fundraisers Offer Hilarious Valentine’s “Revenge”

For those feeling more bitter than romantic this Valentine’s Day, zoos and animal shelters across the U.S. are offering humorous fundraisers that let people name feral cats, cockroaches, and even rats after their exes.

💔 Anti-Love Fundraisers Include:

  • Naming a feral cat before it’s neutered.

  • Dedicating a cockroach or rat before it’s fed to a larger animal.

  • Memphis Zoo’s “Dating or Dumping” campaign, where lovers get a red panda eating a grape, while exes get an elephant pooping video.

Teri Scott of Washington paid $100 to name a frozen rat after her ex, which was later fed to a raptor at an Alaska wildlife center. “It was a beautiful way to give back,” she laughed.

While meant for cathartic fun, these fundraisers also raise thousands for animal care. So whether you’re in love or holding a grudge, there’s a Valentine’s campaign for you!

‘Wicked’ Sensation Cynthia Erivo Set to Dazzle Tampa Bay Audiences

Something “Wicked” is coming to Tampa Bay! Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar-nominated star of “Wicked”, will join The Florida Orchestra (TFO) for two exclusive summer concerts.

Erivo, a Grammy, Tony, and Daytime Emmy winner, will perform in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, bringing her powerhouse vocals to life under the direction of TFO Music Director Michael Francis. The 38-year-old actress and singer, who plays Elphaba in the upcoming “Wicked” film, is also nominated for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards.

📅 Concert Dates:
🎭 May 2 – Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg
🎭 May 3 – Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

🎟 Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 25, starting at $125.

Fans can expect an unforgettable night of music, blending Broadway brilliance with orchestral grandeur. Don’t miss this chance to witness Cynthia Erivo’s magical performance with TFO!

Read More: cltampa.com — great video clips of Ms Erivo

Will Team Canada Unleash an All-Lightning Line at the 4 Nations?

The Tampa Bay Lightning will have a strong presence at the 4 Nations Face-Off, with five players selected to compete. Captain Victor Hedman will lead Team Sweden, while Jake Guentzel represents Team USA. Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, and Brandon Hagel will suit up for Team Canada.

This raises the question: Could we see an all-Lightning forward line on the ice?

Currently, it seems unlikely at even strength. Point is slotted as Canada’s third-line center, while Cirelli centers the fourth line, with Hagel as his winger. Both Point and Cirelli are natural centers, making a full-time trio difficult. However, there are two scenarios where it could happen:

  1. Special Teams: Point is already on the second power-play unit. If Team Canada struggles, head coach Jon Cooper could shake things up, relying on Lightning’s established chemistry.

  2. Blowout Games: If Canada builds a large lead, Cooper might rest stars like McDavid and Crosby, allowing Point, Cirelli, and Hagel to reunite.

While a full Lightning line isn’t guaranteed, their chemistry will be crucial, particularly on the penalty kill, where Cirelli and Hagel excel. Keep an eye out—Tampa Bay’s trio could have their moment on the international stage.

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25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
& Sarasota

Source: heraldtribune.com

Best Live Music in Tampa Bay this week
2/6 - 2/13

Source: cltampa.com

Top Things to do Around Tampa & WC
2/13 - 2/19
Source: tampabeacon.com

This Week in TB area:
2/13 - 2/20
Source: tampabay.com
This Weekend in TB area
2/14 - 2/16
Source: abcactionnews.com

Guide to the Florida State Fair

See: tampabay.com — lots of good information

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